Wii U: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know

Wii U will be here in just over two months. Get the lowdown on what you need to know about Nintendo’s much hyped new console.

1. It’s the First System to Have Social Networks Integrated at the OS Level

Nintendo is taking a cue from Mark Zuckerberg and creating its own social Network specifically for the Wii U (though expect an expansion to the 3DS). It’s all an attempt to catch up to the craze of online gaming and the community that the web has given rise to. Dubbed “Miiverse”, games can expect all the usual social network functions like status messages, messaging and screen shot sharing. And of course some sort of “like” button.

2. It Uses a Proprietary Blu-Ray Disc Format For Games

Just like the Wii, the Wii U will use a modified Blu-Ray format capable of holding up to 25 GB of data per layer. On a very lame note however, the Wii U will NOT play Blu-Ray or DVD movies. Licensing fees can be a real bitch.

3. It Has User Accounts

Ya know how all your Xbox and PS3 buddies would rag on your Wii for not having user accounts? No longer do you and your gaming console have to be the butt of well-worn joke. Wii U will be the first Nintendo gaming system to support user accounts, tying in all your purchases and achievements in Darksiders II with multi-user account capability per system.

4. Your Old Games are Playable With Wii U

Wii U is down for playing those used and borrowed games you’ve got stacked up in the corner of your bedroom. The same can’t be said for the PS4. Nintendo ftw.

5. It’s Friendly With That $3,000 3D TV You Splurged on Last Year

It would be nice to get some decent game use out of that expensive 3D TV you blew your wad on last Christmas. Luckily, the Wii U has you covered with its HDMI 1.3 output. 3D image friendly.

6. Apps, Apps and More Apps

Expect some sort of apps market place for the Wii U. What that will encompass yet, we’re not really sure… Yelp, Skype, Google Maps?

7. All Games Will Be Released Both Digitally and in Store

In a gaming console first, Wii U will have every single one of its games available both digitally and in retail from day 1. So for you shut-ins that don’t want to leave the comfort of your basement to get that FPS you just gotta have, you’re in luck. Nice to see Nintendo being the “first” to something in gaming once again.

8. There WILL Be Modified Friend Codes

There will be a Friend Code system, just not the same as the one used for Nintendo’s current consoles. Each user will have a single account for tracking achievements and identifying friends will be less awkward, hopefully.

9. Expect a Holiday 2012 Release

Prepare thyself, Wii U is coming. Nintendo has announced that the U.S. and Europe can expect Wii U to start flying off the shelves on November 18th. Prepare to dish out anywhere from $250-300 for the Wii U, assuming you can fight off the hordes for one of your own.

10. Unlike the 3DS, Wii U Already Has Lined Up Some Killer Game Titles

It’s always a good idea to have a nice lineup of titles for a consoles release, 3DS faltered in this category. Nintendo has learned from their mistakes and has a great stash of games ready to go with the Wii U’s November release. Expect Smash Brothers, Battlefield 3, Batman: Arkham City, Assassin’s Creed, Ghost Recon Online, Darksiders II, Dirt, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Metro: Last Light, Tekken, Ninja Gaiden 3, FIFA 12, Madden 12, Driver, Lego City Stories, included in the 50 something titles.